TORONTO – The home genetics testing company 23andMe is offering free genetic testing for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The 23andMe Parkinson’s project is seeking people who have already been diagnosed with the disease by a physician to participate in a large-scale research project.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60, but can be diagnosed as early as 18. Parkinson’s results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain that produce the chemicals responsible for signaling the coordination of movement.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, though research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies indicate that more than five million people worldwide have the disease.
To participate in the 23andMe Parkinson’s project, you simply order a kit from the website, mail in a sample of your saliva, and fill out online surveys about your health (including questions on things like your diagnosis, symptoms, medication use, etc.)
The project currently accepts people from the over 50 countries they sell their personal genetic test kits to, including Canada.
One benefit to participants is receiving the complete 23andMe Personal Genome Service for free. According to the website, results related to genetic risks of 237 diseases and conditions cover:
• Carrier status (if your children may be at risk)
• Drug response (your body’s sensitivity to drugs)
• Disease risk (your risks based on your genes)
Another free perk to participating in the project is the option to explore your ancestry. The service can find genetic relatives who have already registered with 23andMe, currently a database of over 150,000 people. It also maps the global origins of your ancestors and provides historical details of ancestors’ migrations and accomplishments.
In addition, the service allows you to receive monthly updates as new medical discoveries are made, learning how they might apply to your health.
The project has already found two new genes associated with Parkinson’s and a gene that may be protective against the disease.
So far, over 7,000 people, including almost 300 Canadians, have joined the project to form the largest Parkinson’s community for genetic research in the world. The goal of 10,000 participants aims to increase the odds of finding a cure. By comparing the online survey information to genetic information, researchers are able to find connections and trends that may not be visible in smaller studies.
“We are trying to find the genetic factors that are correlated with whether people have Parkinson’s disease or not,” says 23andMe principal scientist Nicholas Eriksson. “We’re combining the online surveys and genetic data to try and find new genes associated with Parkinson’s.”
The project is supported by The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki, wife of Google co-founder Sergrey Brin, started the Parkinson’s project with a personal focus as Brin’s mother suffers from the disease.
For general information on the personal genome service or opportunities to participate in the research project even if you don’t have Parkinson’s, click here and scroll to “Everyone can help.”
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